Businessman discusses restaurants planned to replace 'eyesore'

The Las Cruces City Council approved a resolution Monday, Aug. 20, 2018, to negotiate with John Hoffman, who owns property at 430 Main St., and adjacent parcels of land. The building on that property has been vacant for more than a decade.(Photo: Josh Bachman/Sun-News)Buy Photo

LAS CRUCES - Local entertainer Tommy Black, aka DJ Black, announced on his Facebook page on Aug. 24 he had formed a corporation that is the creative force behind two restaurants planned for an unfinished downtown development known locally as the "eyesore."

On Tuesday, Black said he is behind the project, working with two consultants experienced in restaurant development as he makes his debut in a demanding industry.

Black told the Sun-News he initially thought of starting a local franchise for a restaurant chain such as Waffle House, but decided instead to develop two locally owned and managed restaurants at what he calls "the third-busiest corner in Las Cruces."

He confirmed earlier reports that the two restaurants will be named "Frank's Famous Chicken and Waffles" and "Twisted Chile." He said both restaurants would have 150 seats and be accessible through the same entrance.

Twisted Chile is envisioned as a restaurant with a diverse menu and possibly a live music venue for an affordable evening out, while Frank's would fill a unique need. Black said, "If you go to every major city, everybody has chicken and waffles. So I said, 'Why don't we put one here? Why do we have to wait?'”

He also said Frank's may be the only place in Las Cruces to serve Kool-Aid.

Black said that financing is in place, and an architect and a contractor are moving forward with plans to open the restaurants next summer.

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